Jones Library seeks community input

Published on March 09, 2007

Eliminating the English as a Second Language program, reducing new materials, eliminating part-time office staff and closing its branches one day a week is the way the Jones Library board of trustees are meeting budget guidelines.

The board wants to hear from residents about the proposed cuts, other options and revenue options at a public hearing March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Jones Library.

Comments may also be submitted by mail or online at www.joneslibrary.org/budget.

The trustees voted last month to make program reductions next year, plus add $19,000 in new revenues resulting from increased overdue fines on DVDs and videotapes.

In addition, hours of service at the North Amherst Library and the Munson Memorial Library will be reduced to 20 hours a week. Private donations have been funding an additional afternoon per week at the branches this year.

"These cuts will have a direct impact across our community. The ESL Program provides literacy and citizenship training to immigrants. Everyone will miss the new books and audiovisual titles and branch users will find the doors closed more often," said Library Director Bonnie Isman.

The Finance Committee has limited funding to a 1 percent increase for the next fiscal year, if no override of Proposition 2 1/2 is passed, Isman said. Almost $70,000 must be eliminated from the budget to meet the 1 percent target and still pay for increases in fixed costs, such as rising health insurance premiums, mandated salary adjustments, utilities costs and maintenance contracts, she said. Maintaining current levels of library staff and services would require a budget increase of close to 5 percent.

For information, call the library 259-3090 or visit online www.joneslibrary.org.